China and Kazakhstan hold discussions for the construction of two Advanced Energy Systems (AESs): key points revealed.
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is making strides in its nuclear energy sector, with plans to construct not one, but three nuclear power plants (NPPs). The country's geopolitical landscape is shifting, as it navigates the complexities of international partnerships and strategic alliances.
The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, has officially approved the location for the NPP construction in the Zhambyl region of Almaty. The first plant, set to be completed around 2035-2036, will be built in the village of Uanken, located in the Zhambylysky district of Almaty region.
Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, was awarded leadership of the international consortium to construct Kazakhstan’s first NPP. Despite sanctions-related difficulties in supplying parts, Rosatom is pressing forward, aiming to dominate the first plant's construction.
However, the roles of Rosatom and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) are changing for the second and third plants. CNNC, a large state-owned company in China established in 1955 and headquartered in Beijing, is emerging as the key partner for these new plants. The second plant is associated with CNNC, which is expected to lead its development. Similarly, the third plant is anticipated to be built by CNNC, with site selection and feasibility studies underway.
This shift reflects Kazakhstan’s strategic diversification of nuclear partnerships, aiming to balance Russian influence with Chinese nuclear industry engagement in its critical infrastructure.
Not everyone is convinced, though. Skepticism surrounds the feasibility of building multiple NPPs, with concerns about the potential for electricity becoming too expensive for small and medium businesses, leading to unemployment and less tax revenue. Some question the urgency of building NPPs, suggesting that the population might not grow significantly and factories might not be built.
Others question the source of funding for the construction of multiple NPPs, and the sanity of the government's decisions, implying a lack of foresight. Concerns about the rising electricity prices after the launch of the NPPs, and the trend of China becoming the main power in Central Asia, also linger.
As negotiations for the construction of the third NPP continue with China's CNNC, other areas of Kazakhstan are being considered for the construction of the second NPP. Engineering and survey work to determine a suitable site for construction of the first NPP will begin in the region in the near future.
In the end, Kazakhstan's nuclear future is a delicate dance, balancing economic, political, and environmental considerations. As the country moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future for its people.
Technology will play a significant role in the construction and operation of Kazakhstan's nuclear power plants, as advanced engineering and surveying methods are employed in the engineering and survey work to determine suitable sites for plant construction. The collaboration between international partners, including Rosatom and CNNC, will also rely heavily on technological advancements to overcome sanctions-related difficulties and ensure the successful completion of the projects.
The strategic diversification of nuclear partnerships by Kazakhstan, aiming to balance Russian influence with Chinese nuclear industry engagement, is an example of how technology can help shape global relationships, fostering cooperation and innovation in the nuclear energy sector.
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